Ally Week

My passion for being an LGBT advocate as a straight-identified person came from my personal journey and recognition from a very early age that equality was important because it could affect me, someone I care for or any other human being.

"Mom, I am evil, I am dirty, I am a liar." I am in shock. Why is she saying these horrible things? Did she kill someone? Did she steal money? Why is she in so much pain? Her words fill the room: "Mami, I am in love with a girl."

Homophobia seems wholly unaligned with the inclusivity and diversity necessary for winning. I believe that by appealing to individual honor, the honor of the team, and the sense of fairness that is ingrained in every athlete, change is possible.

Almost three years ago, my son Aiden, whom I saw as my daughter for the first 20 years, sat across from me at a restaurant table and bravely spoke the words that would begin our journey.

A combination of personal and work experiences taught me that LGBT equality is about all of us, regardless of our own sexual orientation or gender identity, and that made me an ally.